REFEREE Paul Davison gave Gateshead a helping hand as Ian Bogie’s men came out on top in a Blue Square Premier thriller against fellow strugglers Barrow last night.

The Stockton official incensed Barrow in each half when he first gave the Cumbrians a free-kick instead of a goal after Mark Boyd’s 25-yard shot flew into the net.

Gateshead’s central defender James Curtis should then have been sent off midway through the second period for a foul on Barrow striker Jason Walker when last man.

Paul Farman’s superb injury-time save from Bluebirds’ captain Phil Bolland then ensured a spirited Gateshead came away with an important 2-1 victory.

First-half goals from on-loan Scunthorpe striker Peter Winn and Phil Turnbull were enough to see the Tynesiders home after Walker had levelled 10 minutes from half-time.

Barrow created and wasted a host of chances, particularly in the first half, while Gateshead had opportunities to add to their lead when twice through on goal in the second period.

It was thrill-a-minute fare for a 503 crowd and, while a new- look Gateshead rode their luck, they showed great resilience and determination to pick up all three points.

It was important to kick off four home games in 11 days with a win, with Ebbsfleet next at the International Stadium on Saturday – and the victory took Gateshead out of the bottom four.

Ian Bogie, who handed a debut to former Tranmere Rovers winger Andy Parkinson, was delighted his side had finally had the rub of the green.

He said: “It was refreshing to see two teams going hell for leather trying to win a game of football, and we are delighted to collect the three points.

“Barrow are a dangerous side and we have done well to take four points off them. They will be disappointed not to have taken something out of the game, but football can be cruel at times.

“There have been many times when we have played well and come away with nothing, so it was good to get over the line as this was a massive win.

“It was a great game but frustrating to watch as a manager.

“The first half was like a basketball game as play swung from end to end. We had two chances to take the game away from Barrow in the second half, but then needed two great saves from Farman – and the one at the end was top-drawer.”

Parkinson’s dink to the back post saw Winn head Gateshead in front after seven minutes.

Parkinson almost doubled the lead, while Walker and Nick Chadwick missed several chances at the other end.

After Walker raced clear to level, Turnbull’s 25-yard stunner clinched victory, with Parkinson and Brian Wake going close in a second period which saw Barrow again profligate in front of goal.

Barrow joint-manager Dave Bayliss said: “The referee killed us with those two decisions as the goal should have stood and Curtis should have received a red card instead of yellow.

“However, if you do not take your chances you don’t deserve anything.”